Ralph Philip Klein

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Alternative Title:
Ralph Philip Klein

Ralph Philip Klein, (“King Ralph”), Canadian politician (born Nov. 1, 1942, Calgary, Alta.—died March 29, 2013, Calgary), served three terms (1980–89) as mayor of Calgary and helped to bring the 1988 Olympic Winter Games to the city, but the plainspoken populist became a provincial powerhouse when in 1992 he was elected leader of Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party and became the province’s premier. During his four-term tenure (1992–2006), Klein extricated Alberta from a crushing deficit and debt by persuading voters to accept massive public-spending cuts—surpassing 20%. In addition, in 1993 he offered investors attractive incentives (tax breaks and token royalty assessments) during the construction phase of Alberta’s tar sands development. By the time the resulting oil production hit its stride some eight years later, the province was enjoying prosperity and royalties of 25%. Klein was a high-school dropout, but he later resumed his education at Calgary Business College, studying accounting and commercial law. He worked for the Red Cross (1963–66) and the United Way (1966–69) before gaining public visibility as a television weatherman and a civic affairs reporter for CFCN radio and TV. Klein ran for mayoral office on a lark, and the folksy candidate later came to national attention for his colourful language, penchant for alcohol, and outspokenness, especially his 1982 declaration as mayor that the “bums and creeps” from eastern Canada were responsible for the strain on Calgary’s police and social services. The year (2006) that he left office as premier, Klein conferred on each Albertan an oil bonus (“Ralph bucks”) of Can$400 (about U.S.$344). After leaving public office, he appeared as a quiz-show host (ensconced on a golden throne) on the TV program On the Clock. Among his many honours were the Governor General’s Award (1992) and two in 2012: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada.